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Nothing beats a good multiplayer game, especially a rogue-like game where exploration and suspense are abundant. Imagine diving into a dungeon filled with perilous traps, ferocious monsters, and glittering treasures, only this time, you’re not going it alone. Welcome to the adrenaline-pumping world of multiplayer rogue-like games!
Rogue-like games are a subgenre of role-playing games characterized by randomized levels, permadeath, and often, turn-based combat. They’ve gained immense popularity for their high replay value, challenging gameplay, and the unique experiences they offer each time you play.
We’ve put together this definitive list of the best multiplayer rogue-like games you absolutely must try with friends. Whether you’re a seasoned dungeon crawler or new to the rogue-like scene, these games promise endless hours of excitement and camaraderie.
Our Top Picks for the Best Rogue-Like Multiplayer Games
1. Risk of Rain 2
Platforms: Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia
If you’re looking for a rogue-like game that combines fast-paced action with jaw-dropping visuals, look no further than Risk of Rain 2. This 3D sequel to the indie hit Risk of Rain transports you and your friends to an alien world where you must battle through hordes of increasingly difficult enemies to survive. With its procedurally generated levels and a wide array of unique characters and abilities, no two playthroughs are ever the same.
So why does Risk of Rain 2 make it to our list of the best multiplayer rogue-like games? First, its co-op mode allows for up to four players, making it a perfect choice for gaming with friends. Second, the game’s difficulty scales with the number of players, ensuring that you’re always up for a challenge.
2. Enter the Gungeon
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Enter the Gungeon is a bullet-hell dungeon crawler that offers a unique blend of fast-paced action and strategic gameplay. With a variety of characters to choose from, each with their own special abilities, the game keeps you on your toes as you dodge bullets and defeat bosses.
The game’s co-op mode allows you and a friend to team up and tackle the dungeon together. The sheer variety of weapons and items ensures that each playthrough is a fresh experience. If you like hell-like environments and a fast-paced shooter to blaze through, then Enter the Gungeon is definitely worth a try.
3. Spelunky 2
Platforms: Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Spelunky 2 builds upon the original’s addictive platforming gameplay with new characters, challenges, and treasures to discover. The game offers both co-op and competitive multiplayer modes, allowing you to either collaborate or compete with other players.
There’s just something extremely fun about playing intense platformer games with other gamers. Its multiplayer options and high replay value make Spelunky 2 a must-play for anyone looking for a challenging yet rewarding rogue-like experience.
4. Dead Cells
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
Primarily a single-player game, Dead Cells offers a unique “Twitch mode” that allows viewers to interact with the game, making it a different kind of multiplayer experience. The game combines Metroidvania elements with rogue-like gameplay, offering a rich and challenging experience.
The Twitch integration offers a unique way to engage with an audience, making Dead Cells a standout in the realm of multiplayer rogue-like games.
5. Moon Hunters
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Moon Hunters is a pixel-art action indie RPG game with rogue-like elements. The game allows for up to four players and offers a rich narrative that changes based on your choices.
Its focus on cooperative gameplay and story-driven quests sets it apart from other rogue-like games, making it a unique multiplayer experience. You just get a feel for adventure when you play Moon Hunters, especially with a group of close friends.
6. Streets of Rogue
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Streets of Rogue is a rogue-lite that emphasizes player choice, freedom, and anarchic fun. The game offers multiplayer support and a wide variety of characters and scenarios. The way you interact with the game can change your outcomes and experience, which is a nice touch for a rogue-like co-op game.
The game’s focus on player choice and its robust multiplayer options make it a versatile and engaging rogue-like experience.
7. For the King
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
For The King is a strategic RPG that blends tabletop and rogue-like elements. The game offers both single-player and multiplayer modes, where you can team up to explore procedurally generated maps. These maps are stacked with interesting interactables for you and other players to explore.
Its blend of strategy, rogue-like mechanics, and multiplayer support make it a fun exploration and social gaming experience.
8. Crawl
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Crawl is a dungeon crawler where your friends control the monsters. This unique setup offers a competitive multiplayer experience unlike any other. The game’s unique twist on the rogue-like genre by adding competitive multiplayer makes it a must-try for fans of both rogue-likes and indie multiplayer games.
9. Wizard of Legend
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Wizard of Legend is a fast-paced dungeon crawler with rogue-like elements that emphasizes dynamic magical combat. The game offers a co-op mode, allowing you and a friend to tackle challenges together.
These challenges can be tough, requiring critical thinking and collaboration with other players. Its fast-paced gameplay and cooperative mode make it a thrilling addition to the rogue-like multiplayer genre.
10. Nuclear Throne
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox One
Nuclear Throne is a post-apocalyptic rogue-like top-down shooter. The game offers a variety of characters and a multiplayer mode, making it a comprehensive rogue-like experience. Exploring the post-apocalyptic environment brings a ton of thrills when playing with friends or other rogue-like fans.
Top-down shooters are also good if you are looking for somewhat simple gameplay that focuses more on fun rather than skill. Nuclear Throne has a high replayablility factor that makes it a great game to try.
What Makes a Rogue-Like Game Great?
When it comes to gaming genres that offer endless replayability and a unique challenge every time you hit ‘start,’ rogue-like games stand in a league of their own. But what exactly makes a rogue-like game so captivating?
Randomized Levels
One of the defining features of rogue-like games is their procedurally generated levels. This means that each time you play, you’re faced with a new layout, new challenges, and new opportunities. This randomization keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging, ensuring that no two playthroughs are ever the same.
Resource Management
Rogue-like games often involve a careful balance of resource management. Whether it’s health potions, ammo, or special abilities, knowing when and how to use your limited resources is key to surviving the game’s many challenges.
Character Progression
Many rogue-like games feature some form of character progression, where you can unlock new abilities, weapons, or traits as you advance. This sense of progression adds an extra layer of depth, making each run not just a standalone experience but part of a larger journey.
Why Multiplayer Makes Rogue-Like Games Even Better
Adding a multiplayer component to rogue-like games elevates the entire experience. Sharing the unpredictable and often challenging adventures with friends doubles the excitement and emotional stakes.
Team strategy becomes crucial, as coordinated efforts are often required to overcome the game’s many challenges. For those who enjoy a competitive edge, some rogue-like games even offer PvP modes, adding another layer of thrill to the genre. In essence, multiplayer options enrich the rogue-like experience, making it more dynamic, complex, and ultimately, more enjoyable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, rogue-like games offer a unique blend of challenge, unpredictability, and replayability that has captivated gamers for years. Adding a multiplayer component to this already thrilling genre takes the excitement to a whole new level.
Whether you’re teaming up with friends to conquer dungeons or competing to be the last one standing, multiplayer rogue-like games offer endless hours of fun and camaraderie.
